Houston, Texas, is a sprawling metropolis known for its diversity, thriving economy, and vibrant cultural scene. Houston neighborhoods offer a wide range of living environments, from historic districts with beautiful architecture to modern suburban developments. The city is also recognized for its excellent schools, world-class dining, and numerous parks and recreational facilities. Whether you're exploring the bustling downtown area or enjoying the tranquility of a suburban community, Houston has something for everyone.
The Houston neighborhood map is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the city's varied communities. Houston neighborhoods range from lively urban centers to quieter, more residential areas with a strong sense of community. The map highlights neighborhoods with higher livability scores in green, indicating areas with superior amenities, safety, and overall quality of life. Conversely, neighborhoods with lower scores are marked in red, providing insight into areas that may face more challenges.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Midtown | 11,040 | 2.74 | 84 |
| 2 | Rice Military | 23,452 | 9.63 | 78 |
| 3 | Downtown | 16,798 | 4.54 | 77 |
| 4 | Montrose | 35,723 | 9.42 | 75 |
| 5 | West University | 34,360 | 11.76 | 74 |
The best Houston neighborhoods are recognized for their high livability scores, which take into account factors such as access to local amenities, low crime rates, and the quality of schools. These neighborhoods offer residents a balanced lifestyle with easy access to parks, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. Whether you're a family seeking a welcoming community or a professional looking for proximity to work and entertainment, the best Houston neighborhoods consistently provide a high standard of living.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Northeast | 129,659 | 136.36 | 43 |
| 2 | Northwest | 138,832 | 82.57 | 51 |
| 3 | Pasadina | 143,203 | 120.55 | 52 |
| 4 | Sugarland | 125,992 | 42.36 | 54 |
| 5 | Southwest | 108,921 | 77.28 | 54 |
The worst Houston neighborhoods tend to have lower livability scores due to challenges such as higher crime rates, economic difficulties, and fewer amenities. These areas may struggle with issues like underperforming schools and limited access to community resources, making them less desirable places to live. While every neighborhood in Houston has its unique character, those classified among the worst Houston neighborhoods often face significant challenges that impact the overall quality of life.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Southeast | 261,757 | 193.53 | 55 |
| 2 | Bellaire | 186,971 | 58.24 | 66 |
| 3 | Spring Branch | 143,332 | 84.69 | 56 |
| 4 | Pasadina | 143,203 | 120.55 | 52 |
| 5 | West Houston | 139,738 | 61.85 | 64 |
| 6 | Northwest | 138,832 | 82.57 | 51 |
| 7 | Northeast | 129,659 | 136.36 | 43 |
| 8 | Sugarland | 125,992 | 42.36 | 54 |
| 9 | North | 119,685 | 63.72 | 69 |
| 10 | Southwest | 108,921 | 77.28 | 54 |
When you take walks in Houston, Texas, there is no need to be in the heat or humidity. Having a skyline taller than almost any in North America, each of the skyscrapers is connected by miles of tunnels that keep people from the weather. This is just one fact about Houston that many people may be unaware of. It is the most populous city in Texas and the southern United States, at more than 2.27 million people. Unlike many southern cities, the area is quite multicultural, with Caucasians only making about 50 percent of the population because of its industry. It is known as the "space city" for the Lyndon B Johnson Space Center.
Rice is quite a large neighborhood area within Houston, at over 16,000 people. It houses the prestigious Rice University and is also home to Hermann Park and Houston Zoo. It is the number 1 most desirable place to live in Houston, with plenty of restaurants, activities, bars, and art events going on in the area. It is known as an "exceptionally livable" place, with excellent education at your fingertips, great chance of getting a high paying job, exceptional amenities and of course, great weather. The cost of living is prohibitive and the crime is a bit of a problem, which are the two major downsides. All in all, however, you could do no better than living in the Rice area of Houston. It is good for singles, couples, and families alike.
Rice Military is another excellent choice for a residence, listed as one of the best places to live in Houston. It is northwest of downtown Houston and north of the Rice area of the city, and the area gives a resident the option to do many things. The enormous and impressive Glenwood cemetery is in this district, along with fine dining and great theaters. The cost of living is high but not as high as in Rice, the crime is about the same, and housing is excellent. We recommend living here for slightly less prohibitive prices. It may be a bit farther away from downtown, but distance can give residents the opportunity to be in a more relaxing atmosphere.
South of Rice Military, River Oaks boasts a country club and large park, plus golf course. It is exactly west of downtown and a tad farther away than Rice Military from the center of the action. There are coffee shops, theaters and restaurants galore. Their cost of living is as bad as at Rice, however, and the crime is about the same, but everything else is highly advanced. The amenities, quality of education, housing market, and employment opportunities are excellent. As the others are, it definitely qualifies as an exceptionally livable place with a very high rating, not unlike Rice or Rice Military. The only problem is your budget. You get what you pay for.